São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement has been in place since 2020 and applies to tourism and short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at check-in may still ask for 6 months validity — carry a printout of the official policy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website if challenged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they will check the date matches your 15-day visa-free limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. While not always checked, officers have been known to ask for it if you arrive without a clear place to stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have at least $100 per day of stay available in cash or on a card. Immigration may ask to see proof of funds if you look under-resourced — a bank statement or credit card limit screenshot works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be refused entry. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
No visa, no fee
British passport holders get 15 days visa-free at no cost. No need to apply in advance or pay anything at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all nationalities.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. This usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There's a customs check but it's usually a quick bag scan. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy abroad; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (e.g., research, volunteering).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors making a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visto de Reformado)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry not available under visa-free regime. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costStays cannot be extended beyond 15 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue, with joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
São Tomé
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa issues; bring passport and supporting documents.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Office)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight hours
Handles entry/exit issues; for urgent matters only.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalSão Tomé
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21.03 STN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from the UK, it's not required. Check the latest WHO guidelines before you go.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 15 days. Airlines may also refuse boarding without proof of onward travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration form for British passport holders. You just go through passport control with your passport and documents.
There is no visa fee — entry is free for British passport holders under the visa-free arrangement.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before travelling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.